Multi-Axis Conveyor Layout for Precise Collision-Free Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying systems face challenges in precisely positioning and moving workpieces with limited tolerances and varying speeds, and existing systems are limited in their ability to adapt to different operational requirements, particularly in handling elongate components and ensuring collision-free return paths.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system with multiple axis devices, including linear and pivotal displacement axes, allows for independent movement and alignment of component receiving portions along a main transport direction, enabling precise positioning and processing, while also allowing for lateral offset and random arrangement to prevent collisions and improve utilization of the component station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circulating conveyor system with two shafts is used to transport workpiece carriers, then the system can deliver and retrieve carriers continuously, but the system lacks adaptability for different operational requirements and component types
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent axis devices (at least three), each capable of independent control and operation. Each axis device can handle component receiving portions separately, allowing flexible configuration and adaptation to different operational requirements without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed circulating conveyor to a dynamic multi-axis configuration where each axis device can independently adjust its movement, positioning, and operational parameters. This allows the system to adapt to varying component types, processing requirements, and speed variations while maintaining continuous operation
2Manufacturing precision
If component receiving portions are moved in a straight line along the main transport direction, then positioning precision is improved, but collision risks increase during return operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces lateral offset positioning for component receiving portions, adding a spatial dimension beyond the simple straight-line transport path. By arranging receiving portions at different lateral positions and utilizing multi-axis movement, the system achieves precise positioning while creating collision-free zones during return operations
3Productivity
If multiple axis devices are used to transport component receiving portions independently, then system adaptability and utilization increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each axis device is designed with universal functionality to handle various component receiving portions and perform multiple operations (transport, positioning, processing). This multi-functionality allows the increased number of axis devices to be efficiently utilized, maximizing component station productivity while justifying the added system complexity through enhanced versatility and resource utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying system including at least three axis devices for transporting component receiving portions for receiving a component and/or a component holder on a station path along a main transport direction in a component station. The axis devices each have a carriage assembly having one of the component receiving portions and having a feed apparatus for feeding the component receiving portion from an avoidance state to a transport position, and each have a linear shaft apparatus for moving the component receiving portion in the transport position along the station path in the main transport direction and for returning the component receiving portion in the avoidance state in a reverse direction. At least two of the axis devices are linear displacement axis devices which linearly move the component receiving portion in a spatial direction of the feed apparatus. The spatial directions each define a different projection direction in a projection plane perpendicular to the main transport direction.